Standing listlessly beneath an old elm tree to escape the scorching heat of the midday sun was a young beggar, only about fourteen or fifteen years of age.
Yet, in contrast to his listless appearance, ever since he had taken shelter from the heat under the old elm, his eyes had actually been fixed in eager anticipation on a gate just ten or fifteen zhang away.
However, on this particular day, no one appeared from the gate known to him and everyone else as the Qiaofu Gate, the gate of fortune of the Qiao family.
Instead, just as he was sinking into disappointment, he suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out from the opposite direction:
"I had some business outside today, and only just managed to finish and return. Are you disappointed, Xiao Hong? After all, if I don't generously give you alms like I do every day, getting by from day to day will be very difficult, not just for you but for your mother as well, isn't that right?"
Xiao Hong turned around, both delighted and sheepish, as he explained to the figure who was indeed walking toward him:
"As the Head Steward of the Qiao family, Master Zhuang is naturally always busy with so many important responsibilities to fulfill. That is why, over the past few years, my mother and I have been truly grateful for your immense generosity. We burn incense day and night, praying for your ever-growing fortune and prosperity."
With a calm and dignified bearing befitting his status as a head steward, the man surnamed Zhuang smiled and generously tossed nearly a handful of broken silver into Xiao Hong's cloth bag:
"After this, I have many urgent matters to attend to and must travel far for a while. In fact, there's no telling how long it will be before I have the chance to return. Here, this is all I have left, take it. Use it wisely to look after yourself and your mother. This means that starting tomorrow, do not waste your time loitering around here to beg anymore. Do you understand?"
Xiao Hong was overjoyed. He stared intently into his small, shallow cloth bag, his eyes shining brighter than they ever had, having never received or owned so much broken silver before.
Even so, while his eyes were occupied, Xiao Hong's ears still caught another instruction from Steward Zhuang, who spoke in a whisper barely audible to anyone else as he brushed past him. Steward Zhuang warned him:
"Among them is an object that is not broken silver. Keep it safe for me, and do not let anyone know."
This highly unusual instruction made Xiao Hong look up, only to see that Steward Zhuang had already swept past him and was calmly walking toward the Qiaofu Gate.
As he watched, Xiao Hong suddenly felt his vision blur, as if some strange object had just flashed past his eyes.
By natural reflex, Xiao Hong blinked. When he opened his eyes, he found that, at some unknown moment, Steward Zhuang's path had been suddenly blocked by two figures who had appeared out of nowhere.
One of the two carried a sword, and this person asked Steward Zhuang in a low, harsh voice:
"The recall order was issued early this morning. May I ask, Steward Zhuang, for what reason have you only returned to the Qiao family now?"
The steward surnamed Zhuang suddenly laughed:
"Have the two of you not been dogging this Zhuang Weiri's every step? Where I have gone and what I have done must surely be clear to you both. Why bother asking? Ha... Ha..."
A look of bewilderment crossed the sword-bearing figure's face:
"So, Steward Zhuang knew we were tailing you?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, seemingly realizing the mockery in Zhuang Weiri's laughter, the sword-bearer's expression turned to anger, and he barked:
"But no matter what, in accordance with our master's orders, we hope Chief Steward Zhuang will hand over the item quickly, and then come with us to face our master and receive your punishment."
Zhuang Weiri shrugged:
"As the chief steward, I naturally bear responsibility for all matters inside and outside the Qiao estate. However, considering that everything consists of real estate and land, I truly do not understand what item you two want me to hand over to the master. For I can assure you that I do not carry even a single scrap of the Qiao family's property on my person."
The sword-wielding figure roared:
"Zhuang Weiri! Do not play dumb. Or do you want us to resort to force if you still refuse to hand over the Xianshu Mingyu?"
Zhuang Weiri was startled:
"The Xianshu Mingyu? Hey, that is a treasure that everyone in the wulin has long coveted and desired to possess. Do not be so cruel as to insist that I have it. Otherwise, how could I possibly have the ability to cope if anyone and everyone comes looking for me to demand it in the future?"
The sword-carrying figure's expression once again turned blank with bewilderment:
"Did you really not obtain the Xianshu Mingyu? But that item should have belonged to our master, if not for someone swooping in to snatch it away. Was that person not you?"
Zhuang Weiri sighed and puffed out his chest:
"If you still do not believe me, you two are welcome to search my entire body as you please."
The chief steward's attitude made the sword-carrying figure hesitate.
Unexpectedly, at that very moment, the other figure who had appeared alongside the sword-carrier suddenly spun around and lunged away.
*Whoosh...*
The sword-carrying figure was surprised:
"Where are you going, Brother Zhao?"
But as soon as he asked, seeing his friend surnamed Zhao already blocking the path and immediately seizing the little beggar, he understood instantly and burst out laughing:
"Brother Zhao is indeed brilliant. If we made any slip-up that gave Zhuang the chance to secretly pass off the Xianshu Mingyu, it could only have been during his act of charity just now. So, does this mean the little beggar must be Zhuang's accomplice?"
The man surnamed Zhao then immediately snatched Xiao Hong's cloth bag away. He dumped all of its contents onto the ground, his face darkening:
"There is no Xianshu Mingyu? Speak up, little brat! Where did you hide the item that Zhuang Weiri handed to you?"
Zhuang Weiri suddenly rushed forward, his face flushed with righteous indignation:
"You two are going too far! Xiao Hong is just a poor, destitute child who begs for a living every single day, and moreover, has to care for a mother who has been chronically ill for a long time. Do not be so heartless, and do not use your power to bully the weak!"
But ignoring Zhuang's reaction, the man surnamed Zhao went even further, rudely groping all over Xiao Hong's body with both hands:
"If you, Zhuang, did not pass the treasure to this brat, then why worry? Why not let this Zhao satisfy his doubts and make things clear?"
Swiftly, Zhuang Weiri struck, attacking Zhao:
"Our master has always taught us to forbid any act of bullying the weak. If you, Zhao Kang, dare to behave like this right in front of me, I cannot begin to imagine how arrogant you must be at other times. On behalf of our master, as the chief steward, I must punish you, Zhao Kang, this once. Take this!"
*Whoosh...*
But the sword-carrying figure also managed to rush forward and unleash a strike:
"A guilty conscience needs no accuser! Brother Zhao, keep doing what you are doing, as long as we find the Xianshu Mingyu. As for you, Zhuang Weiri, take a sword strike from me, Lu Wei!"
*Whoosh...*
Mid-attack against Zhao, Zhuang Weiri was suddenly forced to turn around as Lu Wei's sword swept in from behind. He roared in fury:
"Lu Wei, you are courting death! Take this!!"
At that moment, a black fan suddenly appeared in Zhuang Weiri's hand. Folded shut, it served as a short staff, parrying Lu Wei's sword strike head-on.
"Clang!! Clang!!"
Startled, Lu Wei quickly shifted his sword stance, continuing to clash with Zhuang Weiri as he roared:
"I have long heard of your reputation as the Soul-Chasing Iron Fan, but seeing is truly believing. It turns out your skills are indeed formidable. Take this!"
"Whoosh..."
Just then, Xiao Hong's voice shrieked:
"If you wanted to search, you could have just searched! Why be so cruel? You almost broke my arm!"
Zhuang Weiri's moves suddenly grew more fierce:
"Are you satisfied now? This proves that not only do I not possess the Bright Jade of the Revealed Book, but Xiao Hong is also entirely innocent. Now, it is my turn to show you the consequences of daring to offend this chief steward. Watch my move!"
The iron fan suddenly snapped open, and Zhuang Weiri struck it directly against Lu Wei's incoming sword.
"Whoosh..."
"Clang! Clang!!"
After several rapid, consecutive clashes against Zhuang Weiri's iron fan, Lu Wei's sword suddenly snapped in half.
"Crack!"
Horrified, Lu Wei retreated:
"Is this the Twelve Tribulations of the Iron Fan that everyone speaks of—your rarely used ultimate technique?"
Zhuang Weiri sneered, thrusting the fan forward. It had already been folded shut at some point, though it should have been wide open just moments before:
"Did you think my master entrusted me with the position of chief steward by mere chance? Down you go!"
Using the folded fan like a short staff, Zhuang Weiri immediately unleashed a strike, pressing in rapidly on Lu Wei.
"Swoosh..."
Suddenly, Zhao Kang's voice barked:
"Steward Zhuang, stop at once! Otherwise, do not blame me for taking action and ending this little brat's life!"
At the same time, Xiao Hong screamed, hurling curses at Zhao:
"You didn't find what you were looking for, so why won't you let me go? Do you want me to curse you out? You shameless mad dog, always biting people blindly!"
At that moment, Zhuang Weiri also landed his blow:
"Hit!"
"Bam!!"
Struck by the impact, Lu Wei stumbled backward, his entire body reeling, before being instantly subdued by Zhuang Weiri.
"Ugh!!"
Gripping Lu Wei, Zhuang Weiri growled, commanding Zhao Kang:
"To clear up the truth about the Bright Jade of the Revealed Book, nothing would be more convenient than for us to go see my master right now. Release the innocent boy. In exchange, I will overlook your reckless behavior this time."
Resentful, Zhao Kang gave a flick of his hand, sending Xiao Hong tumbling across the ground:
"Get lost! And you are forbidden from ever coming near this place again."
Though bruised from the fall, Xiao Hong was not afraid. Once back on his feet, he boldly walked right back:
"These pieces of loose silver were generously gifted to me by Steward Zhuang. I believe I have the right to pick them up, don't I?"
Nodding with satisfaction, Zhuang Weiri said:
"You shouldn't have lingered here after I gave them to you. Regardless, that is your share, so go ahead and gather them without worry. Likewise, I promise that if anyone is bold enough to make trouble for you in the future, I, Zhuang Weiri, the Soul-Chasing Iron Fan, will make them taste my wrath."
As he spoke, Zhuang Weiri repeatedly snapped his fan open and shut, producing a series of sharp, metallic clangs that revealed it was no ordinary fan, but one forged of iron. Moreover, when he deliberately folded the fan, the ribs struck against one another in quick succession. This was the "Twelve-Ribbed Iron Fan" technique he had deployed earlier, causing the metal ribs to deliver a series of concentrated impacts that had shattered Lu Wei's sword.
Zhao Kang sneered. Glancing at Xiao Hong, who was walking away in the distance, he said to Zhuang:
"I don't believe you haven't obtained the *Mingyu Xianshu*. And if you haven't smuggled that treasure to anyone else yet—hmph—then whether this is true or false will be made clear once we are before the Master. Move."
Zhuang Weiri let go of Lu Wei, then leisurely walked into the Qiao manor, stepping through the Qiaofu Gate.
Even Lu Wei and Zhao Kang eventually vanished deep inside the gates. No one paid any attention to Xiao Hong, who, after pretending to walk away calmly for a while, bolted for home the moment he felt safe.
It was an old, dilapidated thatched cottage, seemingly on the verge of collapse.
Even so, as he neared the house, Xiao Hong called out joyfully:
"Mother! I'm back. How are you feeling today?"
Only a weak voice answered him:
"Xiao Hong, why are you back so early? Has something gone wrong again?"
Xiao Hong walked over to a familiar bamboo cot, looking with deep emotion at the equally familiar, emaciated figure lying there:
"I have always listened to you, Mother. I stayed away from those troublemakers who always fight with me for alms, especially in crowded places. However, something very important happened this time, and I didn't know what to decide. I had to come back to tell you, hoping for your guidance."
From the bamboo cot, a frail, sickly woman with a pale, wan complexion sat up in alarm:
"If you do not fight with anyone for alms, and if others cause trouble, you must avoid them immediately. If you have followed my words in everything, what could have happened to you that is so important that you cannot decide for yourself?"
Xiao Hong gently sat down beside her, supporting her with his hand to help her sit upright:
"Mother, do you remember Manager Zhuang, the generous man I have told you about many times?"
The woman nodded and sighed:
"The manager of the Qiao family, who gives you a few pieces of loose silver almost every day, correct? If so, is it because this man named Zhuang is, after all, a martial artist—one of those people I always warn you to avoid, yet you refused to listen—and so today, trouble has come to you because of him?"
Xiao Hong was astonished:
"Why are you so certain, Mother, that getting involved with martial artists will sooner or later bring disaster?"
The woman shook her head, her anxiety growing:
"Does that mean I am right? What trouble has this man Zhuang brought upon you?"
Xiao Hong forced a smile, trying to reassure his mother:
"For three years now, not a day has gone by without Manager Zhuang generously showing me kindness. In return, if he has something he needs my help with, how could I be ungrateful and simply refuse him? Besides, this matter might not necessarily be a disaster. And even if it is, it certainly didn't come from Manager Zhuang. Please don't worry too much, Mother."
The woman sighed again:
"Go on, then. Tell me the whole story from the beginning."
Xiao Hong began his account:
"There is an object called the Xianshu Mingyu, which Mother has surely never had the chance to hear of or see. But today, Chief Steward Zhuang intentionally mixed it in with quite a few pieces of loose silver when he gave me alms, and then instructed me to find a way to keep it safe for him, so that in the future, he would personally come back to reclaim it."
The woman was startled:
"The Xianshu Mingyu?! What happened after that? Was it because he was discovered possessing this object that Zhuang almost met with disaster, had he not managed to entrust it to you, Xiao Hong, in time?"
Once again, Xiao Hong was astonished:
"Mother, you foresee things like a deity. But fortunately, everything went smoothly, just like this."
After listening to Xiao Hong finish his account, the woman frowned and asked:
"How did you manage to hide that object in time, so that even when Zhao Kang searched you himself, he couldn't find it?"
Xiao Hong suddenly questioned her in return:
"It seems Mother also knows a bit about this object? Is there any danger if, wanting to repay Chief Steward Zhuang's kindness, I found a way to hide it in a safe place?"
The woman immediately denied any knowledge, even if she truly did know about the Xianshu Mingyu:
"Mother is not a member of the martial world, so of course I have no knowledge of the Xianshu Mingyu. Even so, judging by Zhuang's attitude, followed by the conflict that broke out among people who are all from the Qiao family, it is clear that even if it is a treasure, it will bring nothing but misfortune to anyone who keeps it. Wherever you have hidden it, Xiao Hong, just leave it exactly as it is. Never reveal it to anyone else on your own, do you understand? Likewise, you must remember to only wait until Zhuang himself comes to ask, and then simply point him to where it is so he can retrieve it himself. Do not let any consequences fall upon you, is that clear?"
Xiao Hong cheerfully complied:
"I will always engrave Mother's teachings in my heart. But does Mother also agree with my actions? Having received someone's kindness, one must do one's utmost to repay them, right?"
The woman clicked her tongue and sighed:
"Your temperament is truly no different from your father's. And do you know that it was precisely because he devoted himself to his friends, who were also his sworn brothers, that your father met an untimely death, leaving behind untold humiliation and hardship for the two of us—mere widows and orphans, weak and helpless?"
Xiao Hong was deeply moved:
"Mother has never mentioned anything related to Father to me before. It turns out Father met with such an unfortunate end? Was he killed because he was plotted against by enemies?"
The woman immediately dismissed the doubts that had suddenly arisen in Xiao Hong:
"Don't think foolishly, assuming your father was plotted against because he was a figure in the martial world? It is completely different from what you think. Otherwise, wouldn't I want to one day give you the chance to avenge your father?
Enough, stop letting your mind wander. Since you came home early today, let me cook a delicious meal for you myself."
Xiao Hong stopped her:
"Mother is not well, please just lie down and rest. On the contrary, since I came home early today, let me take proper care of you to make up for all those days when I could only prepare hasty meals for you, which certainly couldn't be called delicious."
And so, Xiao Hong helped his mother lie back down, while he himself stood up, intending to head to the back of the house.
Suddenly, someone barked out:
"If you want your mother to be unharmed, I believe you know all too well what you must give us. Speak quickly, where have you hidden the Xianshu Mingyu?"
Xiao Hong spun around, her face turning pale with fright upon seeing Zhao Kang and Lu Wei. Not only had they appeared out of nowhere, but they were also standing extremely close to where her mother lay resting.
"Please do not harm my mother. Besides, this is a truly shameless tactic."
Lu Wei pressed her sword against Xiao Hong's mother's neck, a cold smile playing on her lips. "From the very beginning, we guessed that Zhuang could only have smuggled and hidden the Xianshu Mingyu with you. And by now, Zhuang's fate has already been sealed. As for you, if you do not wish to bring harm upon your mother, you had best behave. Do not force us to take actions that are completely against our wishes, like this."
Xiao Hong's mother suddenly raised herself up and sat up on her own, showing no great fear despite the sharp blade pressed against her neck. And indeed, because Lu Wei knew full well that the woman was merely a sick invalid, as the woman sat up, Lu Wei's sword rose accordingly. Not only that, but the first words the woman spoke were calmly directed at Xiao Hong:
"Steward Zhuang was once our benefactor. Now, we can only assume his fate is grim, with little hope of survival. If you do not wish to be dragged into this, Xiao Hong, perhaps you should just grant their request?"
Xiao Hong was still terrified, staring intently at Lu Wei's sword, which remained dangerously close, ready to take her mother's life at any moment:
"Since Mother has instructed me, your child would never dare to disobey. But Mother, what if the item Steward Zhuang entrusted to me for safekeeping is not the Xianshu Mingyu? When he handed it over, firstly, I had no idea what the Xianshu Mingyu looked like, and secondly, I never heard Steward Zhuang mention its name. If that is the case, once we hand it over, will they keep their word and spare the lives of us, mother and daughter, this time?"
The woman nodded. "It is good that you are so thoughtful. So, I wonder what the intentions of you two might be?"
Zhao Kang sneered, stepping menacingly toward Xiao Hong. "We are absolutely certain that the item Zhuang entrusted to you is indeed the Xianshu Mingyu. Hand it over obediently, unless you wish to suffer the same fate as Zhuang, or your mother right now."
Terrified, Xiao Hong cried out, "As long as you two promise to keep my mother and me safe, I am willing to hand over whatever it is. Please, promise me quickly! Or do you intend to seize the item and still carry out your plan to kill both of us?"
Zhao Kang suddenly lunged forward, striking out to grab Xiao Hong. "How can I carelessly make any promises to you before you have handed over the Xianshu Mingyu? Come here!"
Right at that moment, Lu Wei suddenly shrieked, "What?! You wretched woman, you know martial arts too? Ah..."
Caught completely off guard, Zhao Kang spun around and immediately saw the supposedly sickly woman charging at him in a fury. In her hand, she brandished a sword—undoubtedly Lu Wei's weapon, which she must have snatched away. Zhao Kang barked:
"Excellent! It turns out Zhuang has been colluding with accomplices all this time. Who are you? State your name, and then pay with your life for Lu Wei, the friend of Zhao Kang!"
And for the first time, Xiao Hong heard her mother's voice shout, not weak as it had always seemed in her sickly body, but incredibly loud, powerful, and filled with rage:
"Your methods are truly heinous! Even though I once swore a solemn oath never to use martial arts again, I would rather break my vow than resign myself to death and let you silence us. Take this sword!"
*Whoosh...*
Zhao Kang was struck with terror as he recognized the technique his opponent was unleashing:
“The Haihe Swordplay? You are…”
Suddenly, from the left hand of Xiao Hong's mother, a small but brilliantly glowing object, half-purple and half-green, shot out, tearing through the air:
“It is time for you to be silenced forever!!!”
*Whoosh...*
Before he could react, Zhao Kang's entire body stiffened. His eyes rolled back wide, and then he collapsed, lying motionless forever.
*Thud!*
Xiao Hong was half-relieved, half-terrified, especially when he looked back and realized that Lu Wei was indeed already dead:
“Mother, you know martial arts?!”
Unexpectedly, at that very moment, the woman's entire body began to tremble. She suddenly bent double, coughing up a torrent of blood:
“Ugh... Cough...!?”
Xiao Hong rushed over in terror:
“Mother?!”
Thanks to Xiao Hong supporting her in time, the woman did not collapse. However, when she spoke, her voice was weaker and more frail than ever:
“My life is spent. I fear I cannot hold on much longer to see you grow up, start a family, and live a simple life like everyone else. Is this fate, dragging you once again into the perilous vortex of the martial world?”
Xiao Hong's face was instantly blurred with tears:
“Is it because you wanted me to have a normal life that you hid everything, unable to bear letting me know who the enemies were that killed my father and brought you to this state?”
The woman leaned her entire weight against Xiao Hong. Both of them were small in stature—one still a youth, the other perpetually plagued by illness, save for that brief moment just now when she flashed with the extraordinary prowess of a master heroine. She said:
“Listen carefully to my every word. First, you must leave this place immediately. Never return until you are strong enough to shatter the boulder by the stream—the one I often had you help me walk to—with a single palm strike. Do you understand?”
Xiao Hong nodded:
“The Qiao family's people will surely come looking for us. I have already decided to take you to find another place to shelter immediately.”
The woman shook her head wearily:
“From now on, I pity you, for you must fend for yourself. I will no longer be by your side to guide you. And that brings me to the second thing: do not expect me to teach you martial arts or reveal the nature of our family feud. Listen carefully to my third instruction. The Xianshu Mingyu is a treasure that will help its possessor acquire a supreme martial arts manual. I am not urging you to seize it, as it was originally entrusted to the Zhuang family. However, if the Zhuangs have unfortunately perished, once you are absolutely certain of it, it would only be right for the Xianshu Mingyu to belong to you. Do not covet what belongs to others, but do not let an opportunity slip by either. Instead, train your martial arts to a supreme level, at least to the level I just mentioned. Only then will everything become clear to you—both your origin and your family feud. Is that clear? And the final thing: never breathe a word to anyone about the name of the martial arts I just used. It is best to forget the words Zhao Kang blurted out. Otherwise, the consequences for you will be unimaginable.”
Xiao Hong nodded again, understanding that his mother did not want the Haihe Swordplay to be revealed. However, to his utter surprise, that secret had already been discovered by a third party.
Not only that, but the moment this third person appeared, they brazenly subdued Xiao Hong with one hand, while choking his mother with the other:
"The Haihe Swordplay has betrayed your identity; you must have originated from the Haihe Sect. This old man is truly fortunate—not only do I have the chance to possess the Mingyu Xianshu, but I also have the opportunity to probe into the inner workings of the Haihe Sect, which has long been a mystery to the martial world. Ha... Ha..."
Xiao Hong cried out in terror:
"Who are you? If you want to seize the Mingyu Xianshu, do not be cruel and harm my mother!"
He was an old man in his fifties with a vicious countenance, especially when he turned to glare at Xiao Hong:
"Do you, a little brat, think you have the right to negotiate with this old man? Remember..."
Suddenly, Xiao Hong's mother cried out loudly:
"Don't let anyone threaten you, do you hear me? Farewell! Ah..."
And Xiao Hong immediately saw her mother bite down hard on her own tongue. By the time the wicked old man turned his head to look, her mother's tongue had already been severed, and blood was gushing out. Already frail from years of illness, her mother's life force was completely depleted; she exhaled her final breath and ceased to breathe forever. Xiao Hong cried out:
"Mother?!"
The old man furiously raised his hand, then slammed her mother's corpse violently onto the ground:
"Since you wished for this, this old man cannot let you leave a whole corpse."
"Crash!!!"
Witnessing her mother's remains shattered before her very eyes, a surge of grief and rage welled up, and Xiao Hong only had time to let out a sob before losing consciousness.
Ugh!!
° ° °
The sound of a commotion woke Xiao Hong up, making her realize she was inside a carriage.
However, the carriage was not moving; instead, it had been stopped. Acting as the driver, the wicked old man was confronting several figures who had appeared out of nowhere in front of the carriage.
At this moment, the old man, still maintaining his arrogant demeanor, spoke up:
"So what if this old man is passing through? Has the imperial court long since granted this land to the Qiao Clan alone? And must anyone who happens to pass by be suspected by you, as if they were involved in the mysterious deaths of those two useless fools, Zhao Kang and Lu Wei?"
Hearing this, Xiao Hong grew anxious. Even though she had regained consciousness, she chose to pretend she was still asleep rather than face those people, who, from what she had just heard, were all members of the Qiao Clan.
Even so, the situation still involved her, as evidenced by the retort of one of the Qiao Clan members:
"Venerable Feng, please do not speak such harsh words. It is only because you, Venerable Feng, happened to be the only person who not only suddenly appeared but also showed great haste in leaving right when two of our Qiao Clan members died unjust deaths."
"But to clear things up quickly, I hope Venerable Feng will deign to agree to a small proposal of mine: let us see what you are concealing inside the carriage. As long as there is no little brat named Xiao Hong inside—who is also a fugitive wanted by the Qiao Clan—we will withdraw immediately and dare not offend you further, especially out of respect for your esteemed Shenying Gang."
Xiao Hong cried out inwardly, never expecting that the Qiao Clan would consider her the culprit. She knew her life was in grave danger this time, threatened not only by the wicked old man surnamed Feng of the Shenying Gang, but also by the Qiao Clan.
But with complete composure, the old man surnamed Feng reached back, pulled open the carriage curtain, and said with a chuckle:
"This old man did not think you would have the courage to offend our gang either."
As for the one hiding inside the carriage? Look, see for yourselves. His surname is Luo, and he is called Luo Bushuo. He is named so because he was born mute. Furthermore, simply because he is a junior nephew who calls my paternal grandfather 'Yeye', this old man has to go through the trouble of acting as his carriage driver. Otherwise, ha ha... with my status as the Chief Hall Master, tasked with overseeing the Seven Halls of our sect, how could I possibly demean myself to act as a driver for just anyone? Ha ha...
With the curtain pulled high, Xiao Hong had no choice but to show his face, unable to continue pretending to be unconscious.
But strangely, contrary to what Xiao Hong had been secretly fearing, even though the people from the Qiao family saw that he was awake and looking back at them, there was no sign that they recognized him.
Even so, still somewhat suspicious, one of the Qiao family members suddenly called out:
“Where is Xiao Zhong? It is your turn now. Quickly help us identify him and see if he is the Xiao Hong you know.”
A figure stepped out from the crowd and walked straight toward the carriage. And this fellow, of course, Xiao Hong knew exactly who he was. However, had that person not called him Xiao Zhong—a very familiar name to Xiao Hong—Xiao Hong might not have recognized him as Xiao Zhong at first glance. This was solely because Xiao Zhong's current attire was too strange, completely different from what he usually wore.
Unexpectedly, after scrutinizing Xiao Hong for a long moment, Xiao Zhong suddenly voiced an assessment that was almost identical to what Xiao Hong was thinking about him:
“Aside from being of a similar age to Xiao Hong, this young master's clothing and appearance are somewhat different from what this subordinate knows of him.”
The old man surnamed Feng burst into laughter:
“So, it seems you lot were too hasty this time and acted recklessly?”
The Qiao family members had no choice but to step aside to both sides:
“Please forgive us, and we respectfully invite the esteemed Elder Feng to continue his journey.”
The old man surnamed Feng laughed even louder:
“Having offended this old man, how can you expect to settle it with just a few words?”
The Qiao family members turned pale:
“What is the esteemed Elder Feng's intention...?”
The old man surnamed Feng abruptly raised his hand, seemingly clawing weakly at the empty air, yet unexpectedly, Xiao Zhong's entire body was instantly swept toward him as if pulled by a powerful suction:
“My intention is to let this go only after showing you my power. Do you have any objections?”
Suddenly subdued, Xiao Zhong cried out in panic:
“Spare my life! Please spare my life, Senior Feng!”
The Qiao family members were shaken and also cried out:
“Please do not strike yet! Is there any other way to negotiate to satisfy the esteemed Elder Feng?”
Elder Feng growled:
“Naturally, this old man does not wish to offend the Qiao family either. However, if we are to negotiate, you must make a proposal. How do you intend to restore the face that you have all insulted?”
The Qiao family members were flustered. Finally, they spoke up:
“The Qiao family cannot let this matter drop yet. Naturally, we must still trace the culprit who murdered our family members. Therefore, we hope the esteemed Elder Feng will not make things difficult, so that we may maintain good relations in the future. But if necessary, we promise not to obstruct your journey any further this time.
A gentleman's word, once spoken, cannot be overtaken by a team of four horses. We hope the esteemed Elder Feng will show us some face and be satisfied with this for now.”
Elder Feng immediately tossed Xiao Zhong into the carriage, landing right next to Xiao Hong.
"In that case, I shall temporarily spare this fellow's life. And if I discover that any of you are still bold enough to stealthily follow us, understand that such an action will also mark the end of his life in this mortal world. Move!"
He cracked his whip, prompting the carriage to immediately set in motion. Naturally, the members of the Qiao family did not dare to act rashly; they immediately backed further away to both sides, yielding the path for the carriage to leisurely pass by. However, they only dared to call out resentfully after it:
"Master Feng's martial prowess is indeed formidable. Although it was just a single movement of tossing him onto the carriage, you simultaneously managed to secretly employ an acupoint-striking technique to subdue him, rendering Xiao Zhong completely immobile. Even so, if anything should happen to Xiao Zhong, Master Feng should remember that the Qiao family will not, out of fear of the Shenying Gang, shrink from demanding justice."
Pretending not to hear, Old Feng whipped the horses harder, causing the carriage to move faster and faster, not bothering to reply to the threatening words of the Qiao family members.